vailed, and especially in the last prayer, when many seemed greatly affected. After a short interval, we assembled and proceeded to the river. Great solemnity prevailed among the spectators, and many appeared deeply interested, while the six candidates, three males and three females, were baptized as disciples of the Lord Jesus. The whole congregation returned to view for the first time, in this Valley, the light beaming from the emblems of the great atoning sacrifice, and chasing the darkness of unknown ages. At the conclusion of the service, I perceived many persons in the congregation greatly affected. Every breast seemed to be full, and every heart overwhelmed with various emotions. Some bowed down under the guilt of past sins, some hoping in the atoning blood of Jesus, while many bosoms swelled with gratitude to see their parents, wives, husbands, children, yielding to the gentle sway of the blessed Saviour. The mourning penitents were of all ages, from eight or nine to upwards of eighty years of age."

Among the subjects of this extensive work, were three of Mr. Jones' children, so that in delineating the emotions of parents, he describes his own. There seemed to be but little abatement in the spirit of conviction which prevailed until fall. From that time the correspondence has been less frequent, and no baptismis are mentioned after November, till March, when thirteen full Indians were admitted to the sacred rite. The church embraces, in its fellowship, one hundred and two members, ninety-one of whom are Cherokees.

The converts exhibit characteristics of decided piety. Two of them, John Wickliffe and Dsulawe, have been approved as teachers, and spend much of their time in the service of the Board. Their labors, together with those of private brethren, have contributed materially to the extension of the revival.

The boarding school is in a prosperous state, and usually contains twenty scholars.

HICKORY LOG.

In July last, the Board received notice, through its venerable President, that the Cherokees in the vicinity of Hickory Log, to the number of about eighty families, were contemplating a removal to Arkansas, or west of it, provided their beloved missionary, the Rev. Duncan O'Briant, might be allowed to accompany them. To this, of course, there was no objection, if the removal of Mr. O'B. could be brought about, without charge to our funds.

That this could be done, it was thought there was little or no doubt, and consequently measures were taken to bring the school in its existing location to a close, early in November, and prepare for a removal.

The account of the station from its origin, as then submitted by Mr. O'Briant, the superintendent, and the Rev. Littleton Meeks, who had for years examined it quarterly, will furnish satisfactory evidence of the beneficial results of missionary labor.

"This school," say the brethren, "commenced its operation, April 30th, 1821, at the Tins-a-wattee Town, in the Cherokee nation, under the patronage of the American Baptist Board for Foreign Missions. Since its establishment, about two hundred children have attended to receive instruction, the greater part of whom have been enabled to read the word of life, and to write a fair hand, and some have been made acquainted with arithmetic. Some of the scholars embraced religion while at the school, and a regular Baptist Church was organized, which embraces thirty-four members. Besides this, there has been a general improvement among the natives, in morals, agriculture and housewifery. This church, which is under the pastoral care of

brother O'Briant, now stands dismissed from the Association, to remove to Arkansas." A public meeting was held on this interesting occasion, and a sermon delivered by Rev. Mr. Meeks, to a deeply affected audience, from Matthew xx. 4. at the close of which Rev. Mr. O'Briant, family and flock, came forward, and were commended to God in fervent prayer.

TONAWANDA, (N. y.)

The following is a report of the Executive Committee of the New York Missionary Convention on Indian reform, by their Secretary, the Rev. C. G. Carpenter.

"The native church and school at Tonawanda, are in a pleasant and prosperous state. The lives, and with one exception the health, of the whole missionary family have been preserved. The teacher's are happy in their employment. The scholars make excellent proficiency in their different branches, and in general are submissive; the present number is thirty, and there is a good prospect of considerable increase.

"The Church has lately had an accession of ten, three of whom are intelligent young men, and influential in the tribe. The members appear to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ; they enjoy good harmony, and have formed a temperance society on the plan of entire abstinence.

"Measures are in progress to obtain good Mechanics, who will feel an interest in the welfare of the Station, and who will be able not only to supply the station with articles in their respective branches, but also to assist the boys in acquiring such trades as will afford them profitable and useful employment.

"The amount expended the past year is $1431,45, the largest portion of which was collected expressly for this object. Such has been the fostering care of Divine Providence over this station, as to demand profound gratitude and praise. In view of which we feel encouraged, believing there are still greater blessings in store for this benighted people."

SHAWNEE MISSION.

Mr. Johnston Lykins, who was long associated with Mr. McCoy, at the Carey Station, has accepted an appointment by the Board to labor among the Shawnees, within the limits of Missouri, where he arrived with his family on the 7th of July. At the date of our last intelligence from him, he had not been there a sufficient time to ascertain accurately the prospects of the situation. He had communicated to the Chiefs and the principal people individually, the object of his coming, but the desolating prevalence of the small pox, prevented a public meeting of the Indians. "Till the malady subsides," he says "my labors must be confined to private visiting, but in this way I hope to do something towards the promotion of that cause which we so ardently desire to see successful.

MISSION TO THE CREEKS.

For the last year, Mr. John Davis, a native Creek, has devoted himself to labors for the benefit of his countrymen west of the Mississippi, under the patronage of the Board. He was among the converts during the ministry of Rev. Lee Compere, at Withington, and commended himself to the affection and confidence of his pastor, who encouraged him to address the people of his tribe, on the great subject of religion. Believing that he could be inost useful where he now is, he removed thither, and has continued to give evidence, that he is actuated by the

genuine spirit of missions, which is no other than the spirit of the Gospel. He preaches at four different places at stated times-visits and converses with the Indians at their homes, and three days in a week teaches a school for the benefit of children. No doubt can exist, that this system, faithfully pursued, will be productive of much good. Whenever the Board shall enlarge its operations in that country, which we trust will be soon, Mr. Davis will be found a most useful auxiliary.

MISSIONARY PROSPECTS.

From the preceding Report, it appears, that we have in Burmah fourteen Missionaries, seven males, and seven females. Three other brethren and two sisters are now ready to embark to join them. Five brethren, whose preparatory studies are expected to terminate next spring, have offered their services to the Board, and will doubtless be accepted to sail immediately on the completion of their course. These together will constitute an effective force of more than twenty laborers in that interesting field. Such an addition has been called for in the language of earnest importunity by missionaries on the ground, and we rejoice to say, that the general sentiment among us is in perfect accordance with it. Individual and collective bodies of Christians have come forward more extensively, and with greater liberality, than on any former occasion, to sustain the object. Churches and auxiliary Societies in many instances, have more than doubled their usual subscriptions. It would afford us pleasure to record particulars in illustration of this remark, were it proper in this place, but it will be unnecessary to do more than refer to the Treasurer's Report.

In the great work of publishing the Scriptures in Burman, the American Bible Society proffer their assistance. With a liberality worthy of their Christian Institution, the Directors have recently appropriated Five Thousand Dollars to our use. In a similar spirit of fraternal benevolence, the Executive Committee of the American Tract Society have resolved to expend a thousand dollars in the printing and distribution of Burman Tracts, under the direction of this Board.

RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS.

We consider it an auspicious circumstance, that the Periodical Journals of the denomination are in the hauds of enlightened and liberal minded men. The influence which they exert is not to be calculated, while the character of them, is such as the friends of Evangelical enterprize wish it to be. It is only necessary to increase their circulation, to promote a spirit of piety and concentrated action in all the churches. The American Baptist Magazine claims a place among the worthy publications of the day, while its missionary department being made up from the official papers of the Board, will always embody whatever of interest they contain. The memoir of Mrs. Judson continues to be an object of favour-20,000 copies have been struck off by the publishers, but the demand is not yet satisfied.

STATE OF THE TREASURY.

The extraordinary efforts made by the friends of the Burman Mission, have brought into the Treasury a larger amount than usual, and produced for the time a surplus balance. This however is not to be regarded, as exhibiting a just view of the comparative income and expendi tures of the Board.

It will be perceived, on a slight survey of the increase of laborers in India, and the extensive operations of the printing establishment, that

our expenses in that country exceed, by several hundred per cent., the former rate, and had our remittances been made as heretofore to meet them, probably nothing would have remained of the receipts of the year. But owing to a difference in the mode of remitting funds, a temporary accumulation has occurred in the Treasurer's hands. The increased income of the past year, has in fact been only sufficient to cover the increased expenditures, and if the proposed plans of enlargement are to be carried into effect, the revenue of the Convention must be proportionally augmented.

The Board cannot allow the present service to close, without a respectful tribute to the memory of the great and good man, who has presided over the deliberations of the General Convention for nine years. As a member of their own body, the Board always found Dr. Semple a faithful coadjutor. He was judicious in counsel, affectionate in intercourse, and resolute in action. His removal has occasioned a breach, which all the friends of evangelical religion will deplore, but none so sincerely as those who knew him best. Long may his meinory be cherished by us, and his example of christian meekness and charity, shed its influence on our deliberative assemblies.—

On behalf of the Board,

LUCIUS BOLLES, Cur. Sec.

[The remaining Documents are not lettered alphabetically, as was intended, in consequence of the references being omitted in the last sheet of minutes, which was occasioned by a misunderstanding of the printer.]

REPORT ON THE MISSION TO BURMAH.

The Committee to whom was referred the concerns of the Burman Mission, have had the subject under consideration, and beg leave to REPORT; That

In their opinion, the whole history of missions has recorded but very few opportunities for disseminating the gospel of Christ, so inviting as that which is now presented in Burmah. The number of inhabitants speaking one language there, is nearly as great as that of our own country. A portion of these are under the protection of the British Government, where of course, both missionaries and converts, will enjoy the benefit of the laws of civilization. The people are very generally able to read. Within a few years, they have manifested a spirit of inquiry on the subject of religion, to which scarcely any parallel is to be found in the history of pagan nations; and besides all this, the Holy Spirit has been poured out, and conversions in greater numbers, and under more interesting circumstances than common, have attended the preaching of the gospel at all the stations.

Looking at the subject in this view, while we would most fervently praise God for the success which has thus far attended our efforts, we are constrained with shame to acknowledge, that these efforts have been so ill suited, either to the magnitude or to the importance of the enterprise. Many years have elapsed, since this mission commenced. It has long been fully before the public. It has for years past, been considered as a field which God has offered first, and specially to American Baptists. Our numbers, our resources, and our ability are sufficient to warrant us, in undertaking, by the help of God, to subdue that whole empire unto Christ. This is a work, worthy of our most stren

uous efforts, our most united labors, and most fervent prayers. And yet, at the present moment, all our missions to Burmah, might probably be sustained by our brethren in the single city of New York. While therefore, we reflect, with gratitude to God, upon the success which has attended our very feeble efforts, we feel constrained to represent to our brethren at large, that our lukewarmness in this cause, and the very limited range of our efforts, calls for unfeigned repentance. We should always remember, that we are called to subdue the Empire of Burmah to Jesus Christ, and all our measures should correspond to the maguitude of the object.

With these views, we beg leave to suggest to the Convention the following considerations:

1. The importance of taking every measure, by missionary publications, and by visiting the churches, to excite a higher degree of missionary feeling. Many districts of our country might be visited by the executive officers of the Board, others may be visited by suitable agents.

2. Just in proportion to the degree of general missionary feeling, will be the number of candidates for the ministry, who will offer themselves for missionary service. But we would not confine this labor to candidates for the ministry. We think the question well deserving the attention of the Board, whether private brethren of discretion, zeal, and active piety, and aptness to teach, might not suitably be employed in this labor.

3. The importance of employing native converts, in the work of evangelizing their heathen brethren, must have occurred to every one. Some of them may be employed as preachers and catechists, others merely as distributors of tracts. It is in this manner, by employing converts immediately in the work of converting others, that Christianity has always advanced in a heathen country.

4. If experience should prove that the converts need any additional education before they are thus sent out, the necessity of a school for their instruction and preparation will be at once apparent.

5. The importance of the press to Burmah, is too evident to need any additional remark. We hope that every means in our power, will be fully employed to furnish tracts, and especially the holy Scriptures, to this benighted people, just as fast as God opens their hearts to receive them.

In behalf of the Committee,

F. WAYLAND, Chairman.

REPORT ON THE AFRICAN MISSION.

The Committee on the African Mission respectfully REPORT:

That the providence of God has made it the duty of this Convention to devote a portion of their attention and resources to the support of Missionary efforts in Africa. As Americans, an inviting field is opened before us at Liberia, where, in addition to the opportunity of benefiting the souls of the Colonists, access to the native population is daily becoming more easy and extensive. As Baptists, we have special facilities for labor at Liberia. A large proportion of the Colonists are baptists. Two baptist churches already exist there. The public sentiment in the colony is decidedly in favor of our denomination. We enjoy for these reasons, greater power to benefit the colony, by missionary labors, than any other body of Christians, and our obligations are proportionably